On Fridays, there are worship gatherings shortly before we start the school day.

These days have looked a little different – instead of congregating in person, we’ve been gathering online as one person unmutes and leads us in worship.

Today we had our last Friday Worship morning for the 2020-2021 school year. A handful of people took turns reading through Psalm 136 and praying, while the rest of us used a Jamboard (a digital, collaborative sticky note tool that’s great for online classes!) to write down things that we were grateful for and how we have seen God’s faithfulness throughout the year.

So many blessings were recounted – students, friendships, beautiful Malaysian skies – all of it was such a joy to read and see and to remember how the Lord has met us throughout the year.

I read the end of Psalm 136 and thought I’d share some of the things that the Lord put on my heart this morning.

“It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

and rescued us from our foes,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

he who gives food to all flesh,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.

Give thanks to the God of heaven,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.”

First, that section “remembered us in our low estate” – I have had many “low estates” this year, so many disappointments, grief, and mental/physical exhaustion. Every time, the Lord has been there, lifting my head, giving me grace, setting my feet upon the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ. But even more so, He remembered and brought me out of my lowest estate by saving me and bringing me into a relationship with Him. He came into my darkness and brought me into everlasting light, giving me a hope and a future and nothing I go through on this earth can take that away from me.

Second, “he rescued us from our foes.” While we may not have literal physical enemies assailing us, there have definitely been attacks of depression, anxiety, and yes….covid scares. But God has met us in those times, directing our gaze towards Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Do we still have doubts and struggles? Yes, but we know that those doubts and struggles serve as a reminder that we live in a fallen world, broken by sin. But we can take heart, knowing that He has overcome the world. And His protection has been evident this year – a year and a half of pandemic living and we had one – ONE – covid close call. After testing everyone, it didn’t even spread in our school. That is a miracle and a testimony to the wondrous work He is doing and an answer to the prayers from this past year.

Third, “he gives food to all flesh” – He has provided for all our of daily needs, even in the midst of sudden switches from on campus to remote learning to on campus and back to remote again. He has sustained us, given us our daily bread, and helped us pour into the lives of our students even when we are weary.

There is so much to be grateful for. So many ways He has met us and upheld us. His steadfast love is lavished all over this year, even in the grief and sorrow.

Praise the Lord, for His steadfast love endures forever!